Additional Info

Nearby Theaters

River Oaks Theater 2 opened in 1972 by Plitt theaters. It was located across the street, just west of theater 1. It was less spectacular than theater 1 though still nice. It could seat around 500 people and had the curtain that opened from side to side. The seats were normal and not rocking chairs. It’s premiere attraction was “What’s Up Doc?”.

In 1975 screen 3 was built in the same building as screen 2. The premiere attraction was “Once Is Not Enough”. It also sat 500 and the only difference was the curtain opened and closed vertically. These two screens were known for playing films that Northwest Indiana would either not get for months or not at all.

As far as I could tell the theaters always did big business but the two screens were closed in 1989. Soon after Circuit City moved in. The theatre had been gutted but the shell of the building still remains. Office Depot now occupies it.

From what I remember you are accurate. I grew up in Calumet City and spent lots of time at those theatres. I also managed River Oaks 1&4 for three years. My best friend managed 2&3 for awhile, then went to 5&6 which became 7&8.

I’d be surprised if 2 and 3 were both 500 seats since 2 was equipped for 70mm so I’m guessing it was larger but I’ll leave that be until I can be sure.

I think PopcornFan’s memory about theatre numbers is a bit off even though he worked there. Here’s how I recall it.

There was the original theatre with the big, deeply curved D150 screen built by ABC Great States before Plitt was formed.

A two screener across Torrance was called 2 & 3 so the original became #1. Then they built a new addition to the original building which was called #4. So far so good.

5&6 was a two screener on the far west side of the River Oaks West plaza. 7&8 was on the south side of the main River Oaks east of Fields, northeast of the ¼ building. I do not recall that this was ever called 5&6 because 5 & 6 was there long before 7 & 8.

THEN a block of store space near Sears became a 6-screener. Since the mall was enclosed this now has an entry way within the mall. These new screens were numbered 1-6. 7&8 remained 7&8.

1 & 4 became 9 & 10.

5 & 6 (far west side) became 11 & 12.

2 & 3 just across Torrance became 13 & 14. That seemed odd at first since it wasn’t in order but it became clear when that 2-plex closed while the old 5 &6, now 11 & 12 remained open.

The 2/3 (13/14) building was indeed gutted but I don’t remember Circuit City there. I think it was a Fretter appliance store. Contrary to the article, the building is no longer standing. It was razed and a new building was put up.